Kaz, a Rottweiler from West Columbia, with handler Michelle Ostermiller, after receiving an Award of Merit at the Westminster Dog Show William, Solomon, Sumo, Mickey, Cole, Kaz. They're my new acquaintances, though they're not likely to share an afternoon with me or Louise, my two- year- old Standard Poodle. Still, I spent some quality time with them in New York, chatted a bit, got their addresses, took some photos, and promised to stay in touch.

Who knows? They may even find themselves as characters in a future book of mine!

As the creator of the

Shandon's Ivy League mystery series for young readers, I was in New York for the annual dinner of the Dog Writers Association of America

(DWAA). The Mystery of

the Stolen Stallion, book three of my mystery series, was one of three finalists for the Children's Book Award, given by the organization to honor the best writing about dogs. The series follows the adventures of a group of pets, including five dogs, who solve crimes.

Thrilled to be one of the three nominees, I made plans to go to New York for the awards dinner at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel. The dinner coincided with the 133rd Westminster Dog Show, which meant I finally had a real reason to go to Westminster. My desire to attend the show before had seemed frivolous, but this time I was going regardless of the economic downturn.

(Inset) Karen Petit is a Columbia writer and the creator of the "Shandon's Ivy League" Mystery Series. Inspired by her dog Ivy, the series follows the adventures of a group of pets that solve crimes. Her mysteries and her newest book, A Paw on My Heart, will be at the S.C. Book Festival, where she will have a booth with her publisher Red Letter Press on February 28 and March 1. Although my excitement for the trip initially focused on the dinner and the dog show, the moment that I stepped from the taxi, I knew that my trip was all about the dogs.

Canines in all shapes, sizes, colors and breeds filled the lobby of The New Yorker Hotel where I stayed, and I was seized by the spectacle. The diversity at the United Nations had nothing on the diversity at this Eighth Avenue dwelling, and I tried to remain composed, telling myself I couldn't act like a bumpkin who had never seen a champion dog before. But it was hard not to "ooh and aah" over the elegant dogs, large and small, who confidently strutted with their owners and handlers through the lobby and along the streets around us.

Margaret Lamb at Sardi's for the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers Luncheon My first stop was the Westminster Kennel Club office for my press pass for

The Columbia S tar. My trip took me past Madison Square Garden where nearly 2,500 dogs soon would vie for the coveted "Best in Show" title. With only 40 hours to go until show time, two West Highland Terriers were stepping in tandem on to the escalator of The Garden, taking Westminster in stride.

On Sunday, I lunched at Sardi's with the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers and dined that night with fellow DWAA members. On Monday, I joined the masses at The Garden to experience Westminster. Nothing on the television broadcast can prepare the newcomer for the show. Backstage, in the benching area, more than 1,200 dogs and their owners, handlers, and trainers mingled with the media and the public who were checking out their favorite breeds or watching the dogs being styled for their time in the ring.

Michael Crudo holds Sumo, a Shiba Niu, after their turn in the Westminster Dog Show competition. One of the first people I saw was Michael Crudo, 13, of Freehold, N.J., sitting calmly next to the crate that held Sumo, his three- year- old Shiba Niu, a breed hailing from Japan and one I had never seen. Sumo was being groomed, and Michael was waiting his turn to show the family's dog in the ring, a feat that would send most adults to the medicine cabinet. But not Michael. It was his first trip to Westminster, and he was friendly, polite, and calm. Amazingly calm.

"I want to get experience for handling dogs and learn about Westminster," he said, with such selfassurance it was hard to imagine that he was only in middle school.

He admitted to a case of butterflies about two days earlier, but in his matter- - of- fact way, he said, "I thought positive."

William, a standard poodle, waits his turn with handler and groomer Gail Wolanik. With so much to see, I ventured to the grooming area for the Standard Poodles, whose fancy show clips seem odd to most people watching Westminster on TV. I found a dashing white Standard named Cole from Montreal whose artful coiffure required more attention than most of us will ever receive in a spa.

Nearby was Solomon, an elegant black Standard Poodle from British Columbia who was being groomed by Chrystal Murray from Toronto. Solomon is starting out in his show career, and he stood perfectly still while Chrystal teased and blew dry the fluffy "bracelets" around his paws. I remarked on his poise, and Chrystal said, "Oh, this is relaxing for him."

Relaxing isn't a word I would have chosen.

But Chrystal insisted, "It's like getting your hair done. He loves being pampered, but he gets pumped in the ring. He loves it."

William, another white Standard Poodle, was being groomed by Gail Wolaniuk, whose hands moved quickly and easily while dividing sections of William's hair and teasing them for his "up-do."

Taking time out from his Best of Breed win is Mickey, a St. Bernard from Massachusetts. "He's having a good time," Gail said. "2009 is his premiere year."

Indeed, William looked as though he could step out on the red carpet of a movie premiere. He was stunning.

From the grooming area, I headed to the stands where I joined Suzanne Harvey and her friend who goes only by the name Ashley. Suzanne, who had shown a Manchester Terrier at Westminster in the past, is the mom to "Modi," a rescued Italian Greyhound. Modi was one of 25 dogs featured at a Saks Fifth Avenue benefit for Angels on a Leash, a therapy dog program.

Suzanne gave me a Westminster insider's knowledge of the show and the competition. Below, the floor was divided into six rings where dozens of dogs were being judged. It was more than my brain could comprehend, but I found Michael and Sumo in competition. The pair appeared to be among the best in the group, I thought, and though Sumo didn't win, I expect to see Michael showing dogs for many years.

This isn't work; it's fun. Just ask Chrystal Murray and Solomon. On Tuesday, I ventured first into the benching area where I met Mickey, a St. Bernard who had just won Best in Breed. Mickey would compete later that night for a chance at the Westminster title, but for now, Mickey was sitting in his crate and watching the world go by.

"He knows he's a show dog," a friend explained. "It's his job, and to him this is just another dog show.

Inside the arena, a Rottweiler named Kaz had won an Award of Merit. Millie and Jeff Kestner of West Columbia, the dog's co- owners, could not have been more proud of the two- year- old Kaz.

"It is a dream for us," said Millie, being photographed in the winner's circle with Kaz and his handler Michelle Ostermiller, who guided a German short- haired pointer named Carlee to the 2005 Best in Show win. "Kaz is a great dog, and we thought he was very special. But when you're at Westminster, it's anybody's contest. It's such an honor to compete at that level."

This year, the contest went to a 10- year- old Sussex Spaniel named Stump, whose nonchalance and poise made him the oldest dog ever to win at Westminster.

He wasn't Uno, the young beagle who was trained in Lugoff and stole America's hearts in 2008, but he was real and charming, proving that every dog - young and old - can have its day.

As for me, my fate was the same as that of the more than 2,400 dogs who came to New York. I didn't make the winner's circle, either. But I didn't care. I got to go to "the show"!

And come 2010, I'll be "bookin' " it back to The Garden to see the dogs!